We love sharing happy stories with you. But today, we have a heartbreaking story that reflects the extraordinary compassion and dedication of the SAFE Haven team. If sad stories about cats are difficult for you, we completely understand if you choose to skip this one.
Cammie should never have spent her final days fighting to survive.
On Wednesday, July 15, a Good Samaritan found her lying beside a road in north Raleigh and brought her to SAFE Haven just before 4:30 p.m. She was only about two years old, and devastatingly thin, weak, and cold.
Jumping Into Action
The workday was nearly over, but no one hesitated. Our SAFE Care Team immediately gathered around Cammie. They examined her, ran tests, and tried to understand what her fragile body needed. Most of her results offered hope. But her white blood cell count was dangerously high. And although a cat’s normal temperature is around 101 degrees, Cammie’s body would not warm above 95.
Cammie needed more help than we could provide at the clinic. We rushed her to Wake Veterinary Urgent Care, where the medical team stayed in close contact with our Medical Director around the clock. The SAFE Haven shelter team joined the effort, monitoring her condition and preparing for the long-term care we desperately hoped she would need.
For a little while, Cammie made progress. We had a foster home ready for her. We were already imagining the soft bed, nourishing meals, and gentle care that would help her grow strong again.
Then, on Friday night, her exhausted body could fight no longer. She became comatose, and we made the heartbreaking decision to let her pass peacefully.
We could not give Cammie the long life she deserved. But because she was brought to SAFE Haven, she did not die alone beside a road.
She spent her final days surrounded by warmth. She knew gentle hands, soft voices, and people who refused to give up on her. She was safe. She was cared for. She was loved.
And now, we are asking you to help us be ready for the next Cammie.
Another sick, injured, or starving cat will arrive at our door. We may not know when, but we know that when they do, there will be no time to wait.
Your donation will help provide emergency veterinary treatment, diagnostic testing, medication, nourishing food, and foster care when a cat’s life hangs in the balance.
For Cammie, and for every cat still waiting to be found, thank you.
Please make a gift today in Cammie’s memory.
Thank you SAFE Haven staff!
We’re deeply grateful to the incredible team members who stood by Cammie’s side and surrounded her with compassion and care:
Shelter Care team members: Alexis, Fox, Stiles, and Clinic team member Julie
Directors: Patti and Ashlyn
Our Medical Director: Dr. Kutner
